Capture of Pristina
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The Capture of Priştine (Albanian: Pushtimi i Prishtinës) was a pivotal event during the Albanian revolt of 1912, it involved the entry of Albanian rebels into the former capital of the Kosovo vilayet.
| Capture of Priştine | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of Albanian revolt of 1912 | |||||||
| |||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||
 Albanian rebels |
 Ottoman Empire | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
|
Hasan Prishtina Bajram Curri |
 Ismail Fazıl Pasha  | ||||||
| Units involved | |||||||
|
Ottoman Garrison | |||||||
| Strength | |||||||
|
10,000-12,000 rebels |
60,000 soldiers | ||||||
Background
Siege of Peja
In Peja, a fierce uprising unfolded as Xhafer Tajari valiantly resisted, though Turkish forces eventually broke through, forcing rebels towards Rugova and Plava. Despite setbacks, Albanian morale remained resilient.[2]
Battle of Prush Pass
Bajram Curri's Krasniqi tribe secured a crucial victory at Prush Pass in Has, scattering four Turkish battalions.[3][4] The Turks, misled about rebel intentions, returned to Gjakova demoralized. This triumph not only lifted spirits but also prompted dissatisfied officers to express opposition to the Young Turk regime, sympathizing with the Albanian cause.[5]
Capture
Within the space of a few days, over 10,000-12,000 rebels converged outside Prishtina,[6][7] determined to claim the town. Forces from Gjilan, Kaçanik, Prizren, and Tetova strategically secured positions.[8]
Facing military preparations from the Prishtina garrison, a daring act unfolded at the telegraph office. A group of Albanian men from Prishtina confronted Ismail Fazıl Pasha,[9] shoving a pistol into his mouth and threatening him to sign an order prohibiting the Ottoman army in the trenches from resisting if the Albanian rebels attempted to take the town. This decisive move not only avoided the risk of bloody conflict but also facilitated a seamless transition of Prishtina into the epicenter of the rebellion, with the enthusiastic participation of the town's populace swelling the rebel ranks to 30,000.[10]
International observers, including The Times, Neue Freie Presse, and Novoye Vremya, were intrigued by two aspects: Albanians prevailing against a 60,000-strong Turkish force and the notable discipline among rebels. In an interview, Hasan Prishtina emphasized Albanian native intelligence fostering wartime discipline, leaving a positive impression on the Russian correspondent, who envisioned a promising future for the Albanian people in the Balkans.
Aftermath
The fall of Prishtina put the entire Vilayet of Kosovo under the control of the rebels, Panic spread in Istanbul and leading to the resignation of Grand Vizier Said Pasha. Kâmil Pasha formed a new cabinet, initiating negotiations with Albanian leaders.[11][12] Led by Ibrahim Hakki Pasha, the mission aimed to address Albanian demands, including official recognition of borders, Albanian officials, and military autonomy. Challenges arose due to internal divisions and external influences. The negotiated demands covered language, education, military service, and national traditions. Despite difficulties, an understanding was reached. However, the outbreak of the Balkan War disrupted plans for a united and independent Albania.
References
- ^ Elsie, Robert; Destani, Bejtullah D. (2018-01-30). Kosovo, A Documentary History: From the Balkan Wars to World War II. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 81. ISBN 978-1-78672-354-3.
the fall of Prishtina put the whole vilayet of Kosovo in our hands.
- ^ "1921 | Hasan Bey Prishtina: Brief Memoir on the Albanian Uprising of 1912". www.albanianhistory.net. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ Historia e popullit shqiptar në katër vëllime: Rilindja kombëtare : vitet 30 të shek. XIX-1912 (in Albanian). Botimet Toena. 2002. ISBN 978-99927-1-623-6.
- ^ "Kosova - janar-nëntor 1912". www.enver-hoxha.net. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ Elsie, Robert; Destani, Bejtullah D. (2018-01-30). Kosovo, A Documentary History: From the Balkan Wars to World War II. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 978-1-78672-354-3.
- ^ Pepo, Petraq (1962). Kujtime nga lëvizja për çlirimin kombetar (1878-1912) (in Albanian). Universiteti Shtetëror i Tiranës, Instituti i Historisë e Gjuhësisë.
- ^ Curri, Bajram (1982). Bajram Curri: trajtesa e dokumente (in Albanian). Akademia e Shkencave e RPSSH, Instituti i Historisë.
- ^ "ROLI DHE KONTRIBUTI I HASAN PRISHTINËS NË ORGANIZIMIN E KRYENGRITJES SË PËRGJITHSHME TË VITIT 1912 – Dielli | The Sun". 2021-11-27. Retrieved 2023-11-24.
- ^ "Kosova - janar-nëntor 1912". www.enver-hoxha.net. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ "Kosova - janar-nëntor 1912". www.enver-hoxha.net. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ "1921 | Hasan Bey Prishtina: Brief Memoir on the Albanian Uprising of 1912". www.albanianhistory.net. Retrieved 2023-11-23.
- ^ Pepo, Petraq (1962). Kujtime nga lëvizja për çlirimin kombetar (1878-1912) (in Albanian). Universiteti Shtetëror i Tiranës, Instituti i Historisë e Gjuhësisë.